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The finer details...

Normally, you will work a standard 35-40 hour week. You'll be mainly office-based, although you may have to travel to other branches if it's a larger organisation. You may also visit training providers.

The good points...

Some multinational companies offer the chance to work abroad. Plus, once you're experienced, you could also set up your own specialist consultancy in an area such as recruitment.

...and the bad

You may be required to work extra hours at busy times

Is there study involved?

There are no minimum entry requirements, and some people enter via routine administrative or clerical jobs in HR departments. For these, you may need several GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) or equivalent qualifications.

However, most Human Resources Officers have a Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC/HND) or a degree. Entry requirements for a HNC/HND are four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) with one A level/two Highers.

A degree requires five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/three Highers. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted in either case.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. If you have experience in a related field, you may be able to gain recognition of your skills through Accredited Prior Learning (APL). Check with the appropriate colleges or universities for their exact entry requirements.

There are also some postgraduate personnel management courses, although you'll need a good first degree.

Most human resources officers are trained on-the-job, but many employers also expect staff to work towards the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications listed below. As a student you can study part-time, full-time or via distance learning. When you've successfully completed a CIPD course you'll be eligible for membership.

The Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP) provides you with a practical grounding in basic personnel skills. There are no minimum entry qualifications.The Certificate in Recruitment and Selection (CRS) gives specialist knowledge. The Professional Development Scheme (PDS) has four parts:

Core management

People management and development

Specialist and generalist personnel and development

Applied personnel and development

You can complete one module to gain Licentiate membership of CIPD; complete of all four modules for Graduate membership.

NVQs/SVQs are available at Level 3 in Personnel Support, at Level 4 in Personnel Management, and at Level 5 in Personnel Strategy. These are alternative qualifications for meeting some of the standards for CIPD membership. Some BA Business Studies or similar degrees, and some postgraduate qualifications will give you exemption from the CIPD Professional Qualification Scheme. Contact CIPD directly for a list of these courses.

There is keen competition for vacancies, especially for inexperienced graduates. Gaining CIPD qualifications or NVQs/SVQs will help your promotion prospects.